Trans-Pecos Archeological Program

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The Trans-Pecos of far west Texas is one of the archeologically richest — but scientifically most poorly known — regions of Texas. While some of the earliest scientific excavations in Texas were conducted here during the 1920s and 1930s, a virtual hiatus in research from 1940 to 1980, and only erratic research since, has resulted in a fragmented and inadequate archaeological database that pales in comparison with most other regions of Texas.

During this same period of scientific neglect, many of the region's impressive and unique archaeological resources have been and continue to be subjected to rampant destruction from uncontrolled digging by untold numbers of relic hunters and site looters. Clearly, it is this perplexing history of research-in a region with an exceptionally rich and significant array of archaeological sites-that provides impetus and urgency for this proposal.

The Trans-Pecos Archeological Program is designed to bring the region into the 21st century in terms of theoretical underpinnings, scientific methodologies, and interpretations of data. Early research in the region operated without benefit of major advancements in analysis and dating that are considered standard analytical procedures today.

Based within the region of interest, and uniquely positioned to achieve multiple research objectives, the CBBS is launching a greatly expanded five-year program that utilizes a thematic approach to investigate at least five pressing regional research issues. All data recovered through field work will be analyzed and reported through well-illustrated, book-length publications. In addition, several spin-off articles for submittal to scientific journals can be expected. Still other benefits of the program will emerge in the form of scholarly lectures for the public and interested organizations, and in the development of state-of-the-art educational museum exhibits.

With funding earmarked for investigating a range of carefully selected sites, major contributions to our knowledge of the human past-not only in the Trans-Pecos and Big Bend, but in critical adjoining regions of the Southwest as well-can be achieved. This long overdue effort will at last bring the region back into the mainstream of archeological concerns and interpretation in Texas and the Southwest, and will multiply by more than a hundred-fold our knowledge of prehistory and history of the region.